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An online journal about visual art, the urban landscape and design. Mary Louise Schumacher, the Journal Sentinel's art and architecture critic, leads the discussion and a community of writers contribute to the dialogue.

Ooo, touched a nerve, huh?

Here is a smattering of highlights from the responses to my earlier question about whether the Gallery Night might be getting less interesting.

Michael:Let me first admit that I am no art critic. You won't ever hear me claim to "know" art. My B+ in Intro to Painting during my sophmore year at Plattsburgh State is my only credential in the art world (although I've an eye for good photographs). But I must agree with you that Gallery Night has suffered as of late. It's what I call the Jazz in the Park Effect. Rather than attending to appreciate art, folks come from around to see and be seen "appreciating" art. I But that's just me.

MonicaDear Mary Louise, I think you have a point! What amazes me is that Milwaukee is home of good artists, and I am still getting to know the scene well, but Gallery Night seems to me to be more of a block party were drinks flow freely, instead of an effort to display and sell the best in town. Actually, Gallery Night benefits the businesses in the Third Ward, but I've heard it is not a day to sell art at all. So, the question remains: what is it for?

Cody at Walker's Point Center for the ArtsGood afternoon Mary Louise, I just wanted to write a note with some pictures from the opening reception of Colecci??n Salgado. We read your blog noting that there was not anything exciting going on for Gallery Night Friday.

The exhibit here has only been open 3 days and we are already getting repeat visitors bringing friends. I think the show we have right now is great and the reaction from the opening was 100% positive.

(Thanks for the picture Cody!)

Mike Gallery Night has become sterile and boring... It excites me when any young artists challenge what established artists and galleries are doing. The POINT of art is to add richness and excitement to life; to pose tough questions and suggest answers.

M Have you seen...X-treme Critique? Not sure if they're doing it on Friday but check out how they've been 'livin up the joint this past year.

Now, back to yours trulyI'll share more of these as they come in.

By the way, both Mike and M mentioned Extreme Critique, a group of guys who make dialogue about art a performance of sorts. They storm into galleries, with cameras and boxing gloves or whatever suits the situation, and have at it with the art, with one another, with the gathered crowd. True dialogue about art is a rare thing. If nothing else, these guys make that point loud and clear.

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Keep up with the art scene and trends in urban design with art and architecture critic Mary Louise Schumacher. Every week, you'll get the latest reviews, musings on architecture and her picks for what to do on the weekends.